The Big Game Level 12-14

The Big Game explores the contrast between sporting events in different countries through the eyes of a young boy. He reminisces about watching soccer in his old country and compares it to attending a football game in his new home in the United States. This text supports the development of comparative language and understanding of cultural differences. Through vocabulary such as œstadium, œcheerleaders, and œcrowd, children learn to identify context-specific terms. The book also encourages fluency with plural forms and consonant blends, while its structure provides a clear model for narrative writing that includes reflection and change. This is a valuable text for discussions around culture, migration, and personal experience.

Educational Benefits:

• Enhances understanding of cultural diversity and change
• Supports comparative language and narrative structure
• Builds vocabulary with subject-specific and descriptive terms
• Reinforces blends and plural noun forms

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a Venn diagram comparing the two sporting events
• Discuss cultural traditions around sport in different countries
• Write about a student's favourite sports event experience
• Explore new country vs. home country themes in a personal narrative

Safety & Information:

• Ages: 6-8
• Measurements: 150 x 200 mm
• Paperback, fiction
• Suitable for cultural studies and guided reading